Monday, March 20, 2017

PennDOT Outlines Biking Improvements For 150 Miles Of Route 6

As part of its effort to improve bicycle safety, accessibility, and connectivity along Route 6, the Department of Transportation has completed a report outlining enhancements for the route’s 150 miles from the Ohio border to the McKean/Potter county line, as well as Route 6N in Erie County.

The report, available on PennDOT’s Ride A Bike webpage, outlines improvement strategies as well as specific enhancement suggestions, such as proposed wayfinding signage locations.

For recommended improvements along the main corridor, the report estimates a $70.1 million cost, more than half of which is for bridge replacements, and an additional $5.9 million for enhancements to Route 6N. The report is intended for PennDOT’s and municipal and regional agencies’ use when planning and designing future multimodal transportation projects.

“With the many scenic and historic opportunities along this route, we’re excited to outline strategies to help enhance safety and sustainable transportation,” PennDOT Secretary Leslie S. Richards said. “Communities should see transportation networks as assets, and this report has some concrete recommendations to improve conditions for all travel modes in the area.”

The report was the result of several stakeholder and public meetings as well as extensive data collection on existing conditions, infrastructure and safety, environmentally and historically significant features, and previous plans or studies related to the route.

The PA Route 6 Alliance, a key partner on the initiative, noted the initiative’s aim to enhance safety and connect to trails and communities along the route, most of which is officially designated as PA Bike Route Y.

“The PA Route 6 Alliance is grateful that PennDOT is taking a comprehensive look at U.S. Route 6 to improve the bicycling experience for both long-distance cyclists and our residents. This helps advance our efforts to enhance outdoor recreation and bring new visitors to our communities,” said Terri Dennison, the alliance’s executive director. “We are looking forward to assisting in the implementation of the recommendations, including wayfinding signage into our communities and hospitality training geared towards bike-friendly towns.”

PennDOT plans two additional reports that will identify strategies and recommendations for the remaining sections of Route 6 in the state.

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About Me

This Blog is a companion to www.PaEnvironmentDigest.com, the weekly online newsletter published by Crisci Associates, Harrisburg, PA.
I can be contacted at 717-576-0420 or by sending email to: DHess@CrisciAssociates.com.
I served as Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection from 2001 to 2003, Executive Deputy at DEP from 1995 to 2001, as staff to the PA Senate Environmental Committee and various positions in the former Department of Environmental Resources, working on environmental issues for over 40 years.